Farm to School Coordinator Support

The Farm to School Coordinator at Creekside Intermediate School plays a pivotal role in promoting nutrition education and fostering a sustainable and healthy environment for students. Here are some of the key responsibilities and tasks associated with this role:
1. Menu Planning and Coordination: Collaborating with the school's nutrition team, the coordinator helps incorporate locally sourced ingredients into the kitchen/garden classroom.
2. Nutrition Education: The Farm to School Coordinator designs and implements educational programs that teach students about the importance of healthy eating, where their food comes from, and the benefits of choosing locally grown produce. This may involve organizing farm visits, cooking classes, gardening activities, and interactive workshops.
3. Community Engagement: Engaging with parents, teachers, and the broader community is a crucial aspect of the role. The coordinator may organize farm-to-school events, farmers' markets, or community dinners to raise awareness and participation in the program.
4. Supporting Classes in the Garden and Kitchen:
a. Garden Activities: The coordinator organizes garden-based lessons, allowing students to learn about plant life cycles, gardening techniques, and the importance of sustainable agriculture. This hands-on experience helps students develop a deeper connection to the food they eat and the environment.
b. Cooking and Nutrition Classes: In the school kitchen, the coordinator conducts cooking classes that focus on using fresh, locally sourced(mostly our very own garden) ingredients. Students learn basic culinary skills, recipe preparation, and the nutritional benefits of whole foods. These classes promote healthy eating habits and empower students to make informed food choices.
5. Maintenance of Garden and Kitchen Spaces:
a. Garden Care: The coordinator oversees the maintenance of the school garden, including planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. This ensures that the garden remains productive and serves as a living classroom throughout the seasons.
b. Kitchen Management: In the school kitchen, the coordinator maintains cleanliness, organizes cooking equipment, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. This creates a welcoming and functional space for students to explore culinary arts.
Benefits of Grant Support for the Program:
1. Support for Coordinator's Salary:
The grant provides crucial funding for the salary of the Farm to School Coordinator. This ensures that the school can hire a dedicated professional to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the program, from food sourcing to educational activities.
2. Community Outreach and Events:
Grants enable the coordination of community events such as garden open houses, harvest festivals, plant sales, and farmers' market days. These events not only showcase the program's achievements but also promote healthy eating and local food systems to a wider audience.
3. Improved Student Health and Well-being:
Engaging in garden and kitchen activities has numerous benefits for students, including increased physical activity, exposure to fresh produce, and the development of culinary skills. These experiences contribute to improved overall health, reduced stress, and a greater sense of connection to the natural world.
4. Support for Consumable Costs through Fundraisers:
The plant sale fundraiser supports most of the consumable costs associated with the program. This includes seeds, plants, soil, kitchen ingredients, and other materials needed for garden and cooking activities. By offsetting these expenses, the program can allocate more resources to educational initiatives and student experiences.
In summary, grant support is essential for the Farm to School program at Creekside Intermediate School to thrive. It allows the coordinator to maintain and develop garden and kitchen spaces, provide enriching educational experiences for students, engage the community, and promote health and sustainability. Through these efforts, the program creates a positive impact that extends beyond the school walls, fostering a culture of wellness, learning, and community involvement.